MINNEAPOLIS — The University of Minnesota and its service workers have reached a deal, ending the strike that had threatened next weekend’s Farm Aid concert.

The strike involving 1,400 custodial, maintenance, food service and sanitation workers represented by Teamsters Local 320 began Monday. The walkout affected university campuses and satellite locations around the state.

The union announced on its Facebook page that it received an offer from the University of Minnesota that met its demands and it would put it to a vote.

“The strike is over!” the post said.

Teamsters member and cook Sam Thibert said he’s been told that the contract provides the 3.5% wage increase the union wanted and that employees are going back to work Sunday. But Teamsters leaders haven’t shared anything else, he said.

“I’m relieved it’s done with,” Thibert said, adding that he wished the Teamsters would have pushed for a bigger wage increase.

Meanwhile, the organizers of the Farm Aid 40 concert announced that the show will continue as planned. Its organizers threatened to move of even cancel the show if a deal was not reached. Board member and performer Willie Nelson even reached out to Gov. Tim Walz during discussions.

“Today’s agreement is a reminder of what can be achieved when people come together in the spirit of fairness and solidarity. We look forward to celebrating that spirit on September 20 — alongside farmers, workers, advocates, artists and fans — in a day of music and community that honors this shared history,” Farm Aid organizers posted on the social media platform X.

Sources familiar with negotiations said Gov. Tim Walz’s office got involved late in the game to help reach a deal after Nelson’s call.

On Friday night, Nelson posted on X that he spoke to Walz and appreciated his involvement: “We both know that ultimately, it’s up to the university to do the right thing, and soon, so that Farm Aid 40 can go forward.”

In response, Gov. Walz posted on X around midnight: “We’ll get ‘er done, Willie.”

The university had not added new information to its strike update website and did not respond to requests for comment Saturday morning.

“I was happy to walk the picket line with the U of MN Teamsters. They deserve respect and fair wages for their work at the university,” Regent Robyn Gulley said Saturday, speaking as an individual Regent. “This strike is a lesson on the power of solidarity for working class families. Everyone should have a union.”

The union and the university have accused one another of failing to return to contract talks during a contentious week of picketing.

Their last contract ended June 30. Twin Cities Teamsters employed by the U are predominately women and people of color, union organizers have said. Starting in June 2023, every Teamster position began at $20 per hour.

Complete details of the agreement were not available Saturday morning.

The union proposed a 9% increase on wages in each of the next two years. The university proposed a 2.5% wage increase in the first year of the new contract and whatever salary increases are approved by the Board of Regents for the second and third years. The regents approved a 3% salary increase in 2025.

Since mediation is closed to the public, it is not clear if different proposals have been made on wages from either side.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Farm Aid, which includes farm tours and forums in the days leading up to the Sept. 20 concert. Among those expected to perform are Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews and Margo Price.

Fans going to the show will get an additional treat as Grammy-winning singer Sierra Ferrell announced Friday she would bow out of a Bluegrass festival in Tennessee to perform with singer-songwriter Lucas Nelson at Farm Aid. Ferrell played to a sold-out First Avenue in 2024.

Born in the farm crisis of the 1980s, the shows have raised millions of dollars to support farmers in crisis, including the 1-800-FARM-AID hotline and emergency grants.

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